Calling all writers and creators!

The INC. Project is an annual writing contest for children and teens, in grades 3 to 10. This year's theme is “Tales from Every Continent!" From vibrant cities to hidden gems, share your creative and imaginative stories! Whether it's through adventurous journeys, diverse cultures, or breathtaking landscapes—let your imagination roam across the globe!

Enter your poetry, short stories, essays and illustrated works for a chance to win a $40 gift card! Winners will have their work featured in the INC. Project Anthology that will be added to the library's collection, and their stories will be featured on the Short Story Dispenser.

The INC. Project is celebrating its 17th anniversary at the Halton Hills Public Library.

Contest information

Dates

  • Submissions accepted June 2 – August 19, 2025

  • Winners announced: September 22, 2025

  • INC. Project Awards: Presented as part of the Book Bash Children’s Literature Festival October 11-12. More information to come.

Project categories

Poetry: The Poetry Category is for original works written in verse that are a maximum 40 lines in length. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 3-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-10

Short Story & Essay: The Short Story & Essay Category is for original short stories and essays that are a maximum of 2000 words in length. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 3-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-10

Illustrated Works: The Illustrated Works Category is for original comics, graphic novels, and picture books that are under 10 pages in length. Submissions may include a combination of writing and pictures. This category will be judged based on and the story and its connection to the art. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 3-7
  • Grades 8-10

Submission guidelines
  • Entries are accepted June 2 – August 19, 2025
  • Writers may submit one piece of writing per category
  • Writers must reside or attend school in Halton Hills
  • Writers may use their own names or pseudonyms
  • By entering the contest, you give us permission to use your name for promotion
  • Entries must be submitted electronically and be typed
  • Entries must be your own original work
  • Entries must be in English
  • Entries may not include any profanity or graphic content

Judging

The judges are librarians and community members such as teachers, local authors, and journalists. They do not know the writers' names until after the judging is complete. The judges' decisions are final.

Winners

Winners receive a $40 gift card and a copy of the INC. Project Anthology, and their stories will be featured on the library's short story dispenser.

Winners will be invited to read at the INC. Project Awards. All writers are invited to attend.

Our sponsor

The Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library sponsors our INC. Project.

Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library